It's a similar set up: you'll be armed with a map containing a set of checkpoints, sort of like an urban orienteering event. You'll also need to bring with you a sense of adventure ... a little exuberance will also be an asset; because once the clock starts, you'll have to strategize and get as many points as you can in 90 minutes! You can run solo or with a team; team categories include men, women, adult mixed, couples, family, and youth (ages 4-13).

Instead of collecting raffle tickets or punching a control card, though, you'll be asked a very specific trivia question that you could only answer if the checkpoint were your own home OR you were physically there and could provide the correct response. An example from the event's website:

The scorecard has a description of a feature to be found at each checkpoint, such as “statue of woman” or “public fountain.” When scramblers arrive at a checkpoint location, they look for the feature described on the scorecard. They then answer a simple multiple-choice question, found on the scorecard, to prove they were there. For example: Statue of woman: What is the last word on the plaque next to the statue? (a) Arts (b) Commission (c) Space.

This event raises money for a collection of Central Oregon non-profits, including the Bend Area Habitat for Humanity, the Bend Spay and Neuter Program, Central Oregonians Against Trafficking Humans, the Deschutes River Conservancy ... and 104 other local organizations.

You can even revel in the fact that if this Portlander tried to run this one, you'd completely leave me in the "sagebrush!"

Here are the vitals:

When: Saturday, July 9, 2011

What time: 10a

Where: Wall and Franklin in downtown Bend

Register: Online here for $30 per person; kids under 4 can play for free (with a responsible adult). Teams must all register individually; there's a place on the form to input a team name if you have one so be sure everyone has it before they sign up. You can also sign up at FootZone Bend from 9a-5p on Friday, July 8 or DOR from 7:30a-9a.